DR Mahathir Mohamad has named his new political party Parti Pejuang Tanah Air.

Congratulations, first and foremost.

I understand the essence of the motivation for it is to “hancurkan rasuah”. Well done.

As a citizen of this beloved country, allow me to say the following. 

Every Malaysian is a pejuang tanah air, regardless of race.

Every right-minded Malaysian is in favour of “hapuskan rasuah”, regardless of race.

“Rasuah” does not only hancurkan one bangsa, it destroys every bangsa.

Rasuah does not discriminate.

When a person with political maturity gets news of a party called Parti Pejuang Tanah Air with an aim of eradicating corruption, everyone would want be part of it if they believe in the cause, regardless of race.

We must not forget, and it is never in doubt, that a non-Malay will come to the aid of a Malay if and when there is oppression. Likewise, I truly and sincerely believe that if the tables were turned, a Malay will come to the aid of a non-Malay if there was oppression. 

Simply because all Malaysians are, in fact, pejuang tanah air.

While it is a right to form a race-based party, history must have surely thought us that it is time to do away with it.

When Covid-19 hit Malaysia and the world, was it not apparent that Malaysians who were, and still are, front-liners without hesitation became pejuang tanah air?

Malaysians, as a whole, would readily be a pejuang tanah air in the fight against rasuah and oppression as well.

Please do not forget the rest of the rest of us Dr Mahathir.

This article was written while Malay songs played in the background, just saying.

We do not need a “sempadan yang mengasingkan”. – August 13, 2020.

* Puthan Perumal reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.